Has anyone out there used or installed the Stillen Master Brake Cylinder Brace? It is part number #309350. How easy is it to install? Notice improved brake performance or pedal feel?
cheers,
ChinaClipper
VIN #000159

 

Bump, I want to know too...

 

+1.

 

i have it

honestly don't think you'd notice it unless you track the car and use the brakes really hard

it maybe feels slightly stiffer on the street, but barely noticeable

install was fairly simple

 

Thanks for the reply Sentry65!

cheers,
ChinaClipper

 

Ya thanks, I'm not buying one now.

 

You have any pics of it installed?

 

it might not work with a lot of aftermarket strut bars BTW, and might not quite clear certain front shocks that have adjustable dials unless you use some spacers to raise the brace

the money would be better spent on SS brake lines if you don't already have those

 

what's the point of this mod? i am curious.

 

The claim by Stillen is that in use, the master cylinder moves forward when you press on the brake pedal; in other words, the movement wastes brake pedal motion before the master cylinder works to pump fluid to the brake cylinders at each caliper, pushing the brake piston against the pad. Statically, I performed a test with a dial caliper measuring the cylinder movement when I pressed on the brake pedal from the drivers seat. No movement (relative to the fender of the car), could be detected (as I suspected). Of course, when the car is moving, or is driven very hard, there possibly could be some movement. The purpose of the brace is to prevent forward movement of the master cylinder with respect to the left front shock tower. The 350Z is a car that has remarkable chassis stiffness, so this mod is (relatively) ineffectual compared to a Sentra for instance. Of course, that stiffness is vital to good handling, but you pay for it in chassis weight.
HTH,
ChinaClipper
2006 winner of the Nismo award - National Z Car Convention, Dallas

 

stiffening the brake master cylinder is an old trick, nearly every race car has reinforced mast cylinders. However for you or me, it's hard to say if it's worth it or not, unless we race the car hard, and are on the brakes hard. It will help in emergency situations as well.
I've yet to install this but will soon.

 

hmmm, i think i am going to look into this mod. sure, my car is not a race car... but i do track the car quite often. if it's reasonable price, i am definately gonna look into it.

i have had brake issues every time i've tracked the car. i need all the help i could get :-P

 

Not to shoot your hopes down but for the $135 that I see it advertised at intensepower.com you are getting burned. I am sure that you could get some of the more fabrication oriented people on this forum such as OverZealous to make something similiar for half the cost easily.

Just my opinion though.

 

my $0.02.